ABB's New Turbocharger: 'A Quantum Technology Leap'

ABB Turbocharging unveil its new A200-L generation of single-stage turbochargers for low-speed two-stroke engines.

The A200-L’s compressor stage has been optimized to enable significantly more additional volume flow. In comparison to previous models, the A200-L has up to 30% additional volume flow, which to date is fully the equivalent to one size smaller in a series of turbochargers. According to ABB this increase represents a quantum leap never before seen in the turbocharging industry.

“Our latest technical findings from development are very promising,” said David Ruch, who has been heading up the technological development of the A200-L, “This model represents a real departure from the past model because it’s allowing us to ensure greater volume flow without making the concessions on efficiency that we used to have to make.”

In effect, the power density of the turbocharger compared to other models is significantly higher. The turbocharger is often one of the heavier components to service on a ship, so the A200-L’s lighter design also makes it much easier to maintain.

The benefits of the A200-L’s additional volume flow are manifold. First, the A200-L’s compacter frame makes it possible to use a smaller turbocharger on a wide range of two-stroke engines. For customers that translates into lower weight and more space, which in turn have a positive impact on the bottom line in the form of lower service costs, a lower first cost and a lower total cost of ownership. And since less material is used to make the A200-L, the impact to the environment is also reduced.

“The savings in service costs alone amount to at least 25% in many models, and in some cases even more,” says Arie Smits, Senior General Manager Global Turbocharging Projects.

The company has already sold its first commissions and is currently in production. The first turbochargers will be tested on engines at the beginning of May, prospectively.